The All Progressives Congress, APC, has presented its flag to Osborne Umahi, Son of the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, as its candidate for Ohaozara Local Government Area Chairmanship Seat.
The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIEC, has scheduled August 22 for Local Government Elections for Chairmanship and Councillorship seats in the state.
The party presented the flag to Mr Umahi on Tuesday at a mega campaign rally held in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.
Presenting the flag, Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, described Umahi as a “credible force” capable of providing effective leadership in the council.
Mr Nwifuru expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout at the rally and urged APC supporters to replicate the same level of support at the polls.
“I am happy with the large turnout today. I, therefore, present to you Osborne Umahi as our party’s candidate for Ohaozara in the Aug. 22 council elections,” he said.
The governor urged the electorate to vote massively for all APC chairmanship candidates across the 13 Local Government Areas and councillorship candidates in 171 political wards in the state.
He also commended the Minister of Works for his contributions to the development of Ebonyi and his achievements at the national level.
Nwifuru expressed confidence that his son would emulate his father’s achievements and record in public service if elected.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike, urged the electorate to support candidates capable of consolidating the achievements of the administration.
Umezuruike commended the people for their show of support for Umahi and urged them to remain committed to the party during and after the council election.
Speaking, Nkechineyre Iyioku, a former chairperson of Ohaozara Local Government Area, said the massive turnout at the rally demonstrated the popularity of the APC and the people’s confidence in Nwifuru’s administration.
She also cited the projects and achievements associated with the Minister of Works as part of the reasons for the people’s support.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, represented by his Deputy, Mr Alphonsus Nwali, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in Ohaozara, describing the council area as an opposition-free zone.
Okoro-Emegha urged the electorate to demonstrate their support for the APC through massive turnout and votes on election day.
Accepting the party’s flag, Umahi thanked the people of Ohaozara for their support and pledged to provide inclusive and people-oriented governance if elected.